MSc theses offered

Description

Alpine mass movements (snow avalanches, debris flows, landslides) are rapid geophysical flows involving mixtures of solid particles (ice, sand, rocks) and fluids (water, air). Due to their poor temporal and spatial predictability, our understanding of alpine mass movements’ dynamics is still limited. Laboratory flume experiments are therefore commonly used to replicate at a smaller scale the dynamics of these flows (e.g., Iverson et al., 2010, Iverson, 2015). Complex terrain topography may greatly impact the flow dynamics, e.g., causing superelevation effects on curved channels, flow dilation on irregular beds, and airborne motion over cliffs. Thus, the interaction of the flow with the terrain may greatly affect flow runout, which has important implications for the hazard deriving from these flows. Conducting experiments with granular avalanches on irregular terrain, combined with precise data acquisition in the lab, can therefore help better understand the flow dynamics and exceptional flow mobility, and also to validate numerical models.

We are seeking an engineering-focused Master student to join our research team at SLF Davos for an exciting thesis project centered on granular flow dynamics. The project will involve experiments conducted with dry granular material (e.g., sand) on generic 3D printed topographies (e.g., curved channels, cliffs, etc.) and real-world topographies. The candidate will work on a newly constructed flume to study how topographic features affect alpine mass movements’ dynamics and runout.

Specific tasks

The student will work on the following interdisciplinary tasks:

Conducting Experiments

• 3D printing of general topographies.
• Perform experiments with dry granular materials (sand) to investigat the influence of generic 3D printed topographies on flow dynamics and other granular experiments related to flow mobility.
• Progress to experiments using real-world topographies (e.g., Vallée de la Sionne, Brienz, Piz Cengalo).
• Operate measurement devices to: i) Measure flow dynamics (ultrasonic/laser sensors, cameras, impact forces); ii) Measure flow deposit shape and thickness (3D Laser scanner).

Data Post-Processing

• Process and analyze experimental data, including flow patterns, velocities, and deposition characteristics using, e.g., MATLAB, Python.
• Apply data post-processing techniques to identify trends and behaviors in the granular flow dynamics (e.g., superelevation height in curved bends, runout distance, etc.).

Students’ background and skills

• Interest in natural hazards (snow avalanches, debris flows, etc.)
• Background in engineering, with an understanding/interest in mechanics and experimental research
• Basic knowledge in data post-processing software (e.g., MATLAB, Python) for analyzing experimental data

Start date

The thesis (and/or semester project) would ideally start in May/June 2025. The experimental work will be carried out in the summer of 2025 (June to September/October). Experimental data will be analyzed in parallel to the experimental work.

For more information, contact

Dr. Hervé Vicari: , (+39)3272882531
Philipp Friess:

References